In college, Basanung led Letran to a swimming championship in 1938.[3]
Some time after he competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics, Basanung discovered Bana Sailani, a young swimmer from Sulu with potential. In 1949, he brought him to Manila, helping him train. He also coached the University of San Carlos swim team, helping them win a Inter-Collegiate title.[4]
In 1950, he would set the record for fastest time in the 1,500 meters freestyle. Three years later, Sailani would go on to break his record by five seconds.[5] In 1952, he competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.[6]
In 1994, Basanung was inducted into Letran's Sports Hall of Fame.[3]
